BOSTON — The South Coast Rail project is facing a third delay — this time until 2025 — as the MBTA plans to send test trains to Middleboro, Taunton, Fall River Freetown and New Bedford in an effort to connect the area with Boston by rail. connect for the first time in over seventy years.
Where is the South Coast Rail Project located?
The long-awaited rail project was scheduled to debut in the summer of 2024, but MBTA General Manager Phil Eng said he reviewed the project and determined new leadership is needed. However, the project will be one step closer to completion when the MBTA starts running test trains on the lines on Monday.
“Safety is our top priority for the project. Test trains, starting Monday, will reach speeds of 75 miles per hour, and I urge our neighbors in Taunton, New Bedford and Fall River to stay away from rail areas and obey all rules. warning lights and signs at level crossings. Together we can complete the testing period as safely as possible,” said Karen Antion, Program Director of MBTA South Coast Rail.
What is the plan for the South Coast Rail Project?
The project includes six stations: Middleboro, East Taunton, Freetown, Fall River Depot, New Bedford and Church Street (in northern New Bedford). The South Coast Rail is classified as Zone 8, meaning the full fare for operating the trains is $12.25, with a reduced fare of $6.
Four of the stations have been completed and the remaining two stations – in New Bedford and East Taunton – are expected to be completed by the end of the summer. The MBTA says the trains will have new dual-level coaches to provide comfort and increased passenger capacity. Commuters will be able to leave from there Taunton, Fall River or New Bedford to Boston in about 90 minutes.
The MBTA must also implement the project through the Federal Railroad Administration’s New Start program, which requires new rail projects to meet federal regulations before passenger service begins.
“We recognize that this project is especially important to the communities in Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton, and the surrounding region. Through testing and quality control measures, we want to provide the public with a reliable rail system they can count on,” said Scary.
WBZ News Staff
